Plus, there are many smaller firms that supply parts and materials for the automotive industry and other manufacturing sectors. Durham has a strong energy sector.

Across Canada traditional manufacturing continues to decline but is being replaced by greater use of advanced manufacturing and technology and new industries related to bio-technology, renewable energy and new agricultural methods.

New construction, especially residential housing and expansions of Ontario Power Generation capacity and development related to the expansion of the 407 highway east through Durham Region are expected to drive the local economy over the next decade.

The Durham Workforce Authority is a public agency that studies the local labour market (employment). They identify opportunities and needs and make recommendations to government for new initiatives to improve how the labour market works. A priority that they have identified for Durham Region is the attraction and retention of skilled and professionally trained immigrants to meet the future needs of local business and industry.